Wilderness is the earth untrammeled by man where he has not dominated the landscape with such things as shopping centers and track homes. It is where Joshua trees grow against a vast backdrop of sunset-drenched mountains. In the wilderness man is allowed to hike, fish, ride horses, hunt, camp and more, but he is just a visitor.

The California Desert and Mountains Wilderness Campaign, a nonprofit union, was formed by a group of people, organizations and businesses working together to protect some of Riverside County’s wilderness.

These people include community leaders such as California Senator Jim Battin, Jr., California Assemblyman John Benoit and Riverside County Supervisors Jeff Stone and Roy Wilson.

The organizations involved include the California Native Plant Society, California Wilderness Coalition, Friends of the River, Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society and more. Some of the businesses that help the Campaign are Community Lumber, Blue Wolf Music, Greencafe Internet Service and Mountain Chiropractic.

Just as development is growing, so is the effort to set aside wilderness space.

On May 14, the Campaign, local wilderness supporters and a broad coalition of conservation groups applauded House Natural Resources Committee passage of the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act (HR 3682), according to a press release.

Representative Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) broadly supported a desert, forest and river conservation bill for Riverside County. It will now go before the House of Representatives for a vote.

Rep. Bono Mack’s legislation would permanently protect four new wilderness areas, six additions to existing wilderness areas, four wild and scenic rivers and additions to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Tourism is important to Riverside County and people come from all over the world to enjoy places like Joshua Tree National Park, according to Wendy Sparks, grassroots organizer for the Campaign.

The protection of these areas will enhance the economies of nearby communities and increase land value for property owners, she said.

"This legislation will preserve Riverside County for outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat, leaving an important and breathtaking legacy for future generations to enjoy," said Sparks.

These areas are home to endangered species such as the mountain yellow legged frog, Peninsular bighorn sheep, the southwestern willow flycatcher, desert tortoise, the Quino checkerspot butterfly and numerous other sensitive species of animals and plants as well as mountain lion, mule deer, badger, mountain quail and bald eagle.

The areas serve as important wildlife movement corridors, Sparks continued.

"People have demonstrated their support by writing letters to Mack, joining us on hikes in the proposed wilderness areas and volunteering their time," she said.

The Campaign has recruited interns from Mt. San Jacinto College who will be working with them over the summer on a variety of projects and activities. They are always looking for new volunteers.

The Campaign is also planning new hikes, community meetings and events such as a new hike to North Fork San Jacinto and Fuller Mill the weekend of May 31. There will also be another community meeting in Murrieta during the weekend of June 14.

In addition, they will be at the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival on June 7 and 8. At these events, the Campaign will be available to answer questions.

Visit www.desertmountain

wild.org for more information. Individuals interested in volunteering can contact Sparks at wendy@desertmountainwild.org or at (951) 659-0629.